Species Michigan Moonwort

Michigan Moonwort

Botrychium michiganense

Michigan Moonwort (Botrychium michiganense) is a fern-like plant native to the lowlands and upland forests of Michigan. It is an evergreen perennial that grows in small, crescent-shaped rosettes typically no more than 6 inches in diameter. The dark green leaflets have a leathery texture and are attached at the center in a whorl pattern. These plants produce no flowers, but instead they produce dark green spore clusters in late summer. Michigan Moonwort is a slow-growing, but very resilient plant, making it a great addition to a native garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria) should be watered regularly. It is best to water this plant when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil appears dry. If the plant is in a pot, it should be checked every few days, and if in the ground, it should be checked weekly watering deeply. It is important to make sure not to over water or the plants can suffer from root rot. Fertilizing can be applied every couple of weeks in the growing season to help ensure their health.

sunlight

Common Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria var. lunaria) should be grown in an area receiving full sunlight during the morning and mid-day hours. The plant should receive no more than 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. It is particularly sought out for its decorative variegated foliage and will need sunlight to maintain its vibrant foliage and flowering potential. It should not be placed in direct hot afternoon sunlight, as it will burn the foliage.

pruning

Common Moonwort should be pruned when it enters its dormant phase in the winter, usually from late October to mid December. As the foliage begins to yellow, the plant can be trimmed and cut back. To prune, shears or pruning scissors may be used to cut the stems and leaves about 2-3 inches from the ground. The amount of pruning that is done to the Common Moonwort will depend on the size of the plant and the desired shape that you would like to keep. If pruning more than a third of the plant, or if you are pruning a large plant, it is best to do the pruning over a couple of days to prevent any shock or stress.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.